DECATUR, Tenn. — Decatur may have only 1,500 residents, but it has a new skateboard park.

City officials said they got help from a community development grant to build the park, a recreation offering usually only found in much larger towns.

Park board Chairman Earl Wright said Decatur wanted to continue to expand its 11-acre park and thought it would put in another basketball court or perhaps a ball field.

But when they asked students at the nearby Meigs Middle School, the youngsters asked for a skate park.

State lawmakers helped obtain a $25,000 grant and the city put up a $5,000 match, Mr. Wright said.

School resource officer Mike Rowland said the park has lured skateboarders away from downtown and solved safety issues between skaters and motorists.

“We have seen a big difference with boarders not tearing stuff up downtown,” Mr. Rowland said. “I can tell big difference.”

Lying between the middle school and the county fairgrounds, the city park already is a center of activity for the city and county, Mayor Dean Henry said. With basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds and picnic areas, two walking trails and public art in the form of sculptures and murals, the park is a draw for the entire family.

Alderman Ray Melton said the park development began in the 1970s and continues according to a continuous improvement plan. He said the next addition will likely be another basketball court.

Mr. Henry said local families and volunteers show their appreciation for the park by helping keep it clean and weed-free. He said Mr. Wright can be found there nearly every day picking up bottles and other items.

Mr. Wright said a key to the entire park is that people use it every day. Especially on weekends and evenings the park is a central meeting place for the city.

And with lighted playgrounds and security cameras monitored by the police department, it is a safe place for children.

“This park is a point of pride for the city and the county,” Mr. Henry said.

He said the city’s goal is to give people someplace where a family can play together and relax.

“And it’s working,” he said. “It is used every day and we get really positive feedback on the park.”

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